Pichi’s Boxing Pit in Orlando was closed for business yesterday because of Thanksgiving.

But that did not stop boxer Nikki Bascome from training in preparation for his bout with Donny Miller next weekend. Bascome, unbeaten in four fights, will face his American opponent in a six-round welterweight bout at Berkeley Institute on December 3.

The 26-year-old is sharpening his skills in an intensive training camp under his coach Allan “Forty” Rego and is encouraged by the progress he is making in preparation for his first fight in 12 months.

“Everything is going as planned; training is going well and I’m feeling in great shape and just ready to put the work in on the night and get the victory,” Bascome said. “I’m feeling good and can’t wait to get into the ring.”

Miller will arrive in Bermuda on the back of unsurprising defeat against prospect Dan Karpency in a super welterweight boxing bout at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, West Virginia, last Friday — the 22nd loss of his 16-year career.

The 39-year-old was stopped in the fourth round of a spirited affair by Karpency, the brother of Tommy Karpency — a three-times world title challenger for the WBO, IBO and WBC light heavyweight division.

Despite his losing record, Miller should provide Bascome with his first serious test when the Bermudian makes his long-awaited return to the ring.

Bascome said he is not concerned about his opponent’s defeat, choosing instead to keep the focus on himself.

“As far as him losing, I’m not really focusing on that,” he said. “I’m just focusing on myself, just working on the game plan and sharpening up my tools.”

In his previous bout 12 months ago, Bascome demolished Mexican Erick Reyes in a total mismatch at the Fairmont Southampton and will be hoping to get some much needed rounds under his belt against journeyman Miller.

Billed as “The Takeover” and being promoted by Bascome’s “Fresh & Hungry” brand, the event features several amateur bouts, with Andre Lambe, Bascome’s stablemate, facing a second straight opponent from Baltimore Boxing Club, having beaten Dorian Bostic on points at Fight Night on the Beach at Snorkel Park in September.

The card also marks the return of Shannon Ford, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, after a two-year hiatus because of injury, while undefeated Tyler Christopher, of Controversy Gym, will look to extend his five-bout winning streak against an overseas opponent.

Robert Somner, of Controversy, will seek revenge against Zain Philpott, of BSA, after a suffering controversial defeat at Snorkel Park. The contest was stopped in the final round after an accidental elbow from Somner cut Philpott below his left eye.

Somner, who withdrew from a bout with Philpott at the National Championships at CedarBridge Academy in March because of illness, believed he was the victim of a poor decision and exchanged angry words with Philpott’s corner immediately after the bout.

In kick boxing, Samir Furqan and Krista Dyer, both of BSA, will test themselves against overseas opponents.